The Truth About Big Bird Comes Out, Leaving 'Sesame Street' Fans Shocked

Millions of people around the globe spent some of their childhood watching Big Bird on Sesame Street. The giant, yellow eight-foot-two bird first debuted in 1969 and for decades, fans assumed they knew everything about the kind character. However, a recent tweet has many people shocked and confused.

Most people assume that a tall person inside Big Bird controls the large puppet, and while that is true, it is not at all how you'd think. A diagram of what Big Bird looks like on the inside has been shared and the way he works is very surprising. The original poster captioned the tweet, "I don't know what I thought, but it wasn't this."

Big Bird's head is actually totally empty except for a puppeteer's hand that operates his mouth. A string is connected to the controller's pinky finger too, which moves the eyes. The puppeteer's other hand is in Big Bird's wing, and that is connected by wire to his other wing so they move together.

Commenters were in awe, with one writing that the puppeteer has "incredible dedication to his art," and another stating, "That looks like hell." Someone else chimed in, "Must be tiring holding your hand up that long." A different commenter said, "I always thought the head and mouth was controlled with like pedals or something and seeing this I'm realizing how overly complicated that would be." One other suggested, "I need an '80s movie montage of someone learning then mastering how to be the Big Bird."

There actually is a YouTube video where Big Bird's puppeteer explains how it all works, including how multiple people are needed if Big ever has to hold something.

The revelation should make you all the more impressed the next time you see Big Bird showing off one of his many talents like roller skating, dancing, ice skating or even riding a unicycle.